Diving in Ishigaki in Winter and Encountering Manta Rays — Japan Underwater Odyssey

I'm Ishino, an Underwater Photographer from Japan

My name is Ishino, and I'm an underwater photographer. I first got into diving during my university years, and after graduating I moved to Hachijojima, a remote island in Tokyo. My experience working as a dive instructor there led me to focus on underwater photography. I currently live in Onna Village on the main island of Okinawa, where I photograph the various ecological behaviors of fish and invertebrates I encounter in Okinawan waters. Through this series of articles about what I see, hear, and feel while diving around Japan, I'd like to introduce you to the Japanese sea.

The first article is about my encounter with a manta ray in Ishigaki in January.

Ishigaki — One of Japan's Best Dive Destinations

The Nansei Islands stretch across the southwest of the Japanese archipelago, with Ishigaki at their heart. It is the third-largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, yet the waters surrounding it are far more than just a holiday retreat. Ishigaki boasts a remarkably diverse range of environments — tidal flats, mangroves, calm inner bays, powerful open-ocean currents, coral reefs, and rocky outcrops — all of which support a rich ecosystem. As a result, the island offers an extraordinary variety of dive sites: places teeming with vast schools of fish, spots where large schools of trevally congregate, locations where rare gobies can be spotted, and countless other unique settings. This is truly a paradise for divers.

Ishigaki is one of Japan's most popular dive destinations, drawing visitors from all over the world. In particular, the dive sites known as Manta Scramble and Manta City are renowned as cleaning stations frequented by manta rays, where divers can observe them at close range. Manta rays can be seen year-round and are one of Ishigaki's most iconic sights. On my very first visit to these sites, I too encountered a manta ray. I was utterly captivated by the sight of that enormous manta ray swimming majestically above me while small fish busied themselves cleaning it. I remember losing all track of time as I gazed at the scene before me.

I could never forget the excitement of that moment, and every year I return to Ishigaki in search of another encounter.

Ishino

I had visited the island in summer and autumn — the prime diving seasons — but this was my first time coming in January. The reason was that a local nature guide had told me that winter is actually the best time to see large numbers of manta rays, which truly surprised me.

Plankton — The Key to Spotting Manta Rays

Different marine life can be observed on Ishigaki in each season. Winter is a wonderful time to pay attention to plankton. The word "plankton" derives from the Greek word planktos and is a collective term for organisms that drift through the water.

Plankton encompasses a wide variety of microorganisms, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and even fish larvae and crustacean larvae. These organisms are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye, yet they are in fact critically important in sustaining the marine ecosystem.

Phytoplankton carry out photosynthesis near the ocean surface, producing oxygen and organic matter in the process. Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton and other microorganisms. The energy generated by phytoplankton is passed through zooplankton to smaller fish, and then on to larger fish and great marine mammals. Plankton form the very foundation of the ocean food chain.

Manta rays feed on vast quantities of this plankton. It is therefore well known that they undertake long migrations in pursuit of it. Plankton drifts with the currents and can sometimes concentrate in one area depending on ocean currents, wind direction, and tides. The mass aggregation of plankton and the subsequent gathering of manta rays drawn by their instinct to sense it is nothing short of one of nature's miracles.

Winter Is the Best Time to See Manta Rays Gathering at the Surface

There is one area where plankton is especially prone to accumulating — particularly in winter. That place is Kuroshima, a small isolated island located approximately 20 km to the southwest of Ishigaki.

On the day I visited Kuroshima, the weather was sunny and windy. Several manta rays, drawn by the plankton gathered on the western side of the island, were swimming across a wide area. It is said that manta rays have congregated around Kuroshima for such long periods that there is even a local legend claiming "you could ride a manta ray to the next island."

At Kuroshima, multiple manta rays were on the move, attempting to feed on plankton. I excitedly trained my camera on them. If I chased too hard, a manta ray would quickly change direction and swim away. However, if I simply held my position and watched without pursuing them, they would approach me with total absorption. As long as I didn't chase them, the magical moments would last for a very long time.

The "Surface Manta Ray Dive" — an experience that allows you to observe the relationship between manta rays and plankton up close — is truly invaluable, filling me with excitement at the countless secrets the ocean still holds that humankind has yet to discover.

Important Notes on Manta Ray Diving

Ishigaki belongs to the Yaeyama region, which is home to the Yaeyama Diving Association. Approximately 80 dive operators are registered with the association, providing safe and sustainable services. Manta rays are an extraordinarily precious part of Ishigaki's natural heritage, and their observation is governed by strict rules.

In recent years, the number of manta ray sightings on Ishigaki has been declining due to an increase in visitors and operators who do not follow the rules. Please come to Ishigaki with respect for marine life, so that you too can encounter manta rays — an experience that will become a cherished memory for years to come.

Japan Underwater Odyssey will continue to share these incredible stories from the sea with you. Stay tuned!

Travel and photography cooperation: Diving shop POLARIS

Related Links

• Shota Ishino on Instagram: shota_gorillahouse

Further Reading